Step 1: Identify the precinct type and define the precinct boundaries

Identify the precinct type

The starting point is to understand the type of precinct and the development objectives that apply to the type of precinct. Common precinct typologies include:

Activity center or nodal precinct

Corridor/activity spine precinct

Station precinct

Industrial precincts

Activity center or nodal precinct

Corridor/activity spine precinct

Station precinct

Industrial precincts

Define the precinct boundaries

The purpose of this step is to derive at a defined study area and area for intervention through design, planning and management. Precincts will have been broadly identified through the processes of urban network analysis and integration zone planning. This will have been done on the basis of identification of nodes i.e. CBDs, primary nodes, intermediary and locations in under-served townships suitable for urban hub development.

General considerations in defining precinct boundaries

Following are key considerations in determining the precinct boundary:

Table: Key considerations in defining the precinct boundary

Considerations	Explanation
Built objectives	These include targets for gross residential density, bulk (floor area) and mixed use – see Table 2 in Section 1
Walkability	For multipurpose precincts, urban hubs included, the precinct boundary is generally set at 800m (10 minute walking distance) from the center of the precinct
Land status and ownership	Key considerations include the distribution of land ownership (state-owned, municipal and private) as well as the degree of fragmentation
Land use and zoning	The degree of land use mix may influence the decision to intervene or not, and if so, to what extent. It may also be appropriate to create a transition zone between the precinct and surrounding areas
Type, extent and concentration/distribution of transport infrastructure	This includes current and/or proposed train stations and bus stations, railways, major roads and intersections
Built form and character	The age, character/style and condition of buildings with similar and/or complimentary features can be combined to create an unified identity
Heritage assets	Historic and other culturally significant assets, and other assets that draw tourism may be linked to create tourism paths or routes, and themes for the precinct
Geographical and environmental features	Topography and especially slope may affect the walkability and the extent of the precinct. The soil type may additionally affect building costs. Both slope and soil type can affect infrastructure development costs. Some environmental features such as waterways and wetlands may be environmentally protected areas, and construction may be prohibited. Flood lines, where applicable, need to be considered. Conversely, waterways, green areas and other environmental features can, through appropriate design, simultaneously enrich the precinct and enhance the natural environment.
Climate risk	Climate risk exposure, depending on the nature, extent and severity of exposure, may affect the selection of precinct boundaries
Extent, type and distribution and social amenities	It may be desirable to adjust precinct boundaries to incorporate existing or planned social amenities with the potential to contribute to the activation/elevation of the precinct through increased activity, or to exclude those social amenities that detract from the precinct objectives e.g. large cemeteries or landfill transfer stations.
Infrastructure coverage and considerations	Ideally, where feasible precinct boundaries should consider infrastructure availability and lifecycle costs of infrastructure catchment areas and solutions
Major projects	Also consider planned projects or projects being implemented in the area under consideration, and how this may affect the proposed precinct
Other	There may be other valid considerations that are typically site specific, for example key views, sight lines, wind conditions etc.

It is possible that the status quo assessment points to the need to adjust the precinct boundaries. Precinct boundaries may also need to be adjusted during detailed design due to needs of opportunities that present themselves during, for example, the design of the access and movement framework. However, there must be a starting point and defined area for study and design.

It is also useful to assess aerial or satellite photography when initially determining precinct boundaries, and to conduct a walk-through to identify main design issues and urban features (both those that are unsuccessful and those that are not). It informs further work required. Key observations are generally recorded by way of annotated layout plans or printed aerial photographs and supplemented by photos taken during the walk-through.

Defining the boundaries of urban hubs

The general considerations for defining precinct boundaries also apply to urban hubs. However, since the urban hub is essentially a transit oriented hub (station hub), the major transport facility form the heart of the precinct, and the precinct boundary area and boundary is then progressively defined as follows:

Procedure to define the urban hub boundaries:

Locate the major transport facility e.g. train station or bus station. This lies at the heart of the precinct.
The core of the precinct. The core of the precinct is the area surrounding the major transport facility that is easily accessible on foot. Within urban hubs, the core of the precinct is the 800m walkshed.
The precinct boundary. Depending on the functional structure of the area, distribution of land uses and key facilities, the extent of land fragmentation and topographical features and constraints and other factors (see table above), the precinct boundary may be broader than the 800m walkshed determined for urban hubs (and will almost certainly be broader for CBDs and strong primary nodes).
Context must be established for analysis, planning and design purposes. The precinct will not function in isolation. People in surrounding areas can and should utilise the precinct on a regular basis and should increase both traffic and demand within the precinct.

Figure: Precinct planning and design